granite countertops

Jun 10 2020

Tips for Caring for Granite Countertops

One of the benefits of having granite counters is that they are easy to care for once they are installed. Besides cleaning the surface regularly, granite countertops do not require too much upkeep.

However, like most other counter materials, not every cleaning solution is good for granite counters. It is important to understand how to take proper care of your counters to ensure they last for many years.

Caring for countertops takes some time, but the results are worth it. Take some time to learn about some tips on how to take care of your granite countertops.

Ways to Care for Your Granite Countertops

Granite is a natural material, meaning that over time, it can be worn down and eventually take damage. Experts have several different ways to ensure a long lifespan for granite countertops. One of the most important things you can do for your granite countertop is to ensure that it has a sealed surface.

Sealing The Granite Countertop

Sealing your countertop can improve the lifespan of your countertops. Most granite countertops do not require a sealant to be applied, but it does not hurt to apply one when you first get them. Some countertops are already sealed. Newer homes with granite countertops installed are already sealed and do not require more. If you do have to seal your countertops, it is important to get long-lasting sealant. This way, you do not have to reapply every so often.

Regularly Maintain the Surface

You should clean your counters every day. This will take care of any messes you have left behind and will protect it from damage. The best way to clean your counters is to use pH neutral solutions. Acidic cleaners can wear down your sealant and eventually exposed the granite underneath. One of the most convenient ways to clean the surface is with a soft cloth and dish soap.

Avoid Putting Hot Items Directly on the Surface

While granite stones are strong and durable, placing hot items like cooking pots and pans can cause damage to your sealant and stone. Extreme or constant temperature changes to your counter can cause damage to the stone.

Granite Countertop Repairs

When caring for granite countertops, it is important to be on the lookout for any damage that the stone has taken. Issues like stains can be fixed with a quick google search and ingredients that you can by at your local hardware stores. Other damage issues like cracks and chips may take more time and effort.

If you find a chip in your countertop, the best way to repair it is to fill the area with clear acrylic that is almost invisible. An alternative is to fill the area with epoxy that matches your counter color. In the event of a crack, your next steps will depend on the severity of the crack. Most hairline cracks will not get worse over time so getting work done on them is not a priority. In the event of a severe crack that causes a separation in your piece, you will need a countertop expert to come in and make that repair.

Reach Out to GranitePro Today

At GranitePro, we understand that you want your home to be in the best shape possible. Caring for granite countertops is essential for them to last. We offer a number of services to ensure that you can get the countertops you have been wanting. Some of the services we offer include:

Stay ahead and be proactive in taking care of your counters. Call 410.875.7579 to speak to one of our experts about granite countertops. We are more than happy to help you today.

May 30 2020

How to Clean Granite Countertops

As a homeowner, you take pride in your kitchen’s functionality, warmth, and personality. And whether you enjoy entertaining in your outdoor kitchen in warm weather or indoor all year round, your countertops matter.

Granite countertops, in particular, offer a sleek, luxurious style that adds value to any sized kitchen. To maintain its beauty, be sure to depend on cleaning techniques that enhance the material without causing damage. Learn how to clean granite countertops using these simple steps and you’ll likely get the most out of your investment.

Granite Adds Extravagance and Value to Your Home

Granite contains oxygen and silica which are chemical elements found in the earth’s crust. Because silicate is rock-forming, granite countertops are tough and meant to last a lifetime when properly maintained.

What’s more, they increase your home’s value. Therefore, knowing how to clean granite countertops is certainly worthwhile.

How to Clean Granite Countertops Correctly

There are a number of ways that you can clean your granite countertops. One of the most effective is with a towel and some soapy water. Apply these steps daily or weekly, as needed.

Squirt a little bit of mild dishwashing liquid in your sink, and then add about a pint of warm water.
Use a soft microfiber cloth or soft non-abrasive sponge and dip it into the sudsy water.
Wring out the excess water.
Clean your granite countertops, wiping in a circular motion.
Dry with another clean soft microfiber cloth or paper towel.

Granite countertops are easy to maintain and require very little maintenance. This means there is rarely a need for expensive cleaners to wipe down the mess. Regular tasks like cleaning the counter is just one of the ways that a granite countertop can be more efficient in the long run.

Granite Countertops Maintenance Tips – Do’s and Don’ts

Here are some “DO’s and DON’Ts” to keep your granite countertops looking lovely as the first day of installation:

DON’T use abrasive cleaning products as these will scratch the surface of your granite countertops
DO use a mat or trivet as a surface barrier
DON’T stand, sit or kneel on your granite countertops
DO immediately wipe up spills
DON’T put hot dishes, pots, and pans directly on any seams as the heat can cause the joint to separate.
DO add a silicone-based sealer to your granite countertops once every 3 years for added protection (Sealants repel water, oil, and dirt)

GranitePro’s Countertops Complement Your Kitchen’s Style

Your kitchen’s granite surfaces should last a lifetime if you know how to clean granite countertops. If your granite shows extreme wear, is full of discoloration and difficult to remove stains, you may want to upgrade.

Or you might just want a new look to match your new kitchen cabinets. At GranitePro, we have a variety of major brand granite, quartz, and other countertops to meet your kitchen’s decor including:

Countertops in a variety of colors
Complete indoor and outdoor kitchens
Commercial and residential tabletops
Kitchen backsplashes
Kitchen cabinets

For complete customer satisfaction, we complete jobs the right way including:

Installing new countertops
Removing and disposing of old countertops
Plumbing and faucet hookups
Offering a limited warranty

Our skilled team at GranitePro works with millwork companies to get you the best price on all materials. We service residents in the southernmost PA including Howard, Frederick, and Carroll counties. We offer other services including:

Now that you know how to clean granite countertops, call us at 410.875.7579 for a free in-home estimate on your new kitchen. Make the kitchen you’ve always dreamt of a reality today. Upgrade your home and protect your countertops today.

May 15 2020

How to Remove Stains from Granite Countertops

Your granite countertops were beautiful when you first had them installed. They’ve added elegance to your kitchen and value to your home. However, oil stains and discoloration may have slowly diminished the joy you once had of the sparkling granite. Thankfully, you can do something about it.

Depending on how deep-set the stain, you may need to set aside a weekend to bring back the luster of your granite countertop. If so, the results will be worth it. It’s easy to learn how to remove stains from granite countertops in just a few steps.

Handling Oil Stains That Just Happened

When an oil stain appears, it’s best to take care of it immediately. Say, for example, if you mistakenly place a pan that dripped oil on your granite countertop. Try these steps. You will need:

Two soft, microfiber cloths or a few soft paper towels
Mild soap
Warm water
Plastic cleaning gloves (optional)

Clean the stain this way if it just occurred:

Put on your cleaning gloves, if desired.
Use one of the microfiber cloths or paper towels to blot the stain. It’s important not to rub as this will cause the oil to smear instead of being absorbed in the paper towel or cloth.
Add the mild soap to a basin with about a pint of warm water and swish it around to make it sudsy.
Wring out the excess water.
Wipe down the granite countertop

How to Remove Stains from Granite Countertops That Have Absorbed Into the Granite

This technique showing you how to remove stains from granite countertops takes a couple of days for the mixture to set. You could also hire a professional kitchen countertop installer to do it for you, though. Supplies you’ll need:

Baking soda
Plastic wrap – enough to cover the granite countertop
Warm water
Masking tape (the low-contact kind)
Spatula
Plenty of soft paper towels, soft microfiber soft cloths or soft sponges (non-abrasive)

The amount of baking soda you require will differ when you use these how to remove stains from granite countertops steps. That’s because it depends on the size of your granite countertop. Start with five boxes. You can use any extra baking soda later to clean, so it won’t go to waste.

Start by mixing one box of baking soda with some warm water to make a paste.
Use the spatula to apply the paste to the granite countertop and make it about the thickness of about 1/2 inch.
When finished, rinse off the spatula, and then apply plastic wrap over the granite countertop.
Tape it down gently.
After 48 hours, remove the plastic wrap, and then use the spatula to scrape off the dried mixture.
Wet a microfiber cloth with plain warm water, wring out the excess water and then wipe off the granite countertop. Let the surface air dry.

Taking care of your counters is important to ensuring they last as long as possible. Making sure they are clean and stain free is just one of the steps you can take.

GranitePro is Your Dependable Source for Kitchen Countertops and More

With proper care, granite countertops should last forever. In addition to countertop care tips, GranitePro offers a number of services including:

If you’d like more information about how to remove stains from granite countertops, contact GranitePro today. Our selection of countertops includes well-known, trusted brands. We offer free in-home estimates and limited warranties on our products and services. We can help you get the look you have been dreaming of. Call 410.875.7579 now, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

May 01 2020

Begin Your Home Updates with Granite Countertops

Many people go for the latest technology when they begin to update their homes. But when updating your home, it can be beneficial to include your countertops in your upgrades.

When you upgrade your appliances, you will want to keep everything else new as well. What better way to finish your home updates than with granite countertops? At GranitePro, we can help you modernize your entire kitchen, not just your appliances.

Benefits of Granite Countertops

Homeowners have been adding granite surfaces to their homes to make their homes more appealing for decades. Not only do people love the look that granite tops bring into their homes, but they last for countless years with minimal maintenance required.

Once they are installed, you almost never have to worry about them again. A lot of people looking for homes will list granite countertops as a “must-have” in their next house.

If you are looking to sell your home in the future, home updates with granite countertops can pay for themselves. Granite countertops have the potential to increase your home’s market value.

In addition to the visual appeal, granite countertops are more environmentally friendly than most other material options. Since granite occurs naturally, it does not need hazardous chemicals to gather and does not need to be processed or manufactured.

Cost of Home Updates with Granite Countertops

The cost of granite varies depending on how much you are looking to get done. The national average price for solely countertops is roughly $3,100. Meanwhile, an entire kitchen renovation can cost over $20,000. Making a smaller investment for countertops could be just enough to upgrade your home’s kitchen.

Starting your home updates with granite countertops is an excellent way to modernize your home without breaking the bank. Fill out our virtual in-home estimate online to get your quote today!

If you are planning on selling your home soon, it would be wise to not spend too much money on renovations just to sell your home. Focusing on your countertops can increase the home value without spending too much. It’s time to upgrade your kitchen and get the smart choice for countertop materials.

How GranitePro Can Help You

Granite countertops can last a lifetime. We can help you discover the perfect counter for your home and keep you from spending too much. We offer an extensive catalog to our customers so you can always find the right fit for you. Some of the materials we offer include:

We can help you through the entire process. From your first look through our catalog to the installation of your new counters, GranitePro has your back. As a one-stop-shop for countertops, some of the services we offer in addition to installation include:

Work with GranitePro for Your Granite Countertops

Remodeling your home comes with a number of big decisions. Take the first steps of your home updates with granite countertops. Create a new look for your home starting with your counters. We offer high-quality products that you buy direct. Not only does this mean the quality is top-tier, but since there is no middle-man, you get to save money.

We can work with you and your budget and our expert staff can help ensure you get the most out of your dollars. We can even help you with your new counter designs. At GranitePro, we have your back every step of the way.

If you have questions about your remodel or our countertops options, call 410.875.7579 to speak to one of our professionals. It’s time to begin your home updates with granite countertops.

Apr 13 2020

Do I Need Granite Countertop Removal?

If your once beautiful granite countertops look lackluster, you might have asked yourself, “Do I need granite countertop removal?” Before you make your decision, conduct an assessment.

Your granite countertops may just need proper cleaning, repairing, or sealing. Read on to determine how to restore the elegant flair of granite countertops into your kitchen.

Clean Your Granite Countertop the Right Way

A good cleaning may be all your granite countertop needs to appear like a freshly cut diamond and lure the sun back into your kitchen. Add a few drops of dishwashing liquid to your sink of about a pint of warm water.

Swish around a soft sponge or microfiber cloth. Squeeze out the excess water because too much water may result in stains. Wipe down your granite countertops and then follow through by using a soft dry cloth.

For spots, use baking soda and warm water to form a paste, then take a soft cloth or sponge and dip it in the paste. In a circular motion, wipe the stained area. Next, wipe away the excess with a dry cloth or paper towel.

Do I Need Granite Countertop Removal, or Should I Try to Remove the Dullness, Restore the Shine with a Sealant?

Seal your granite countertops before you decide to say yes to the question, “Do I need granite countertop removal?” Apply a silicone resin sealant. Experts suggest that homeowners complete the maintenance task on an annual basis. If you’ve neglected to do that, try it now. First, test the absorption of water on your granite countertop.

Apply a few drops of water in a far corner. It’s less noticeable there. The water should bead up. If it absorbs instead, apply a sealer. It should look like new after just a few seconds.

Sealant, correctly applied, is meant to last up to fifteen years. Also, sealing protects granite, thereby making it easier to clean each day. A tip: Remember to use a soft microfiber cloth and rub in the motion like you’re making small circles. Work a small section at a time.

Repair Dents, Chips, and Cracks

Still thinking, “Do I need granite countertop removal?” Maybe not.

For small repairs, purchase epoxy resin in the same color as your granite countertops.
Sand the countertop after it dries, which could take up to 48 hours.
When finished drying, apply a sealant on that spot.
Allow it to dry as well.
Always read the instructions on the package. It should state the recommended curing time on the label.

When Repairing, Polishing, and Cleaning Fails to Restore Your Granite Countertop

After you’ve tried to clean, polish, and repair, and you still don’t see a difference, then it’s time to answer your question differently. “Do I need granite countertop removal?” Yes, it may be a good time to replace your granite countertops. You’ll find the colors and styles you’re looking for at GranitePro. We deal with millwork companies every day. This ensures that you get the best price we can offer. Also, we give free in-home estimates. You have nothing to lose. So contact us by calling 410.875.7579. There’s nothing like the allure of granite. Your original decision to invest in granite countertops was the right one. Call now.